Good Words
What She Said - Part 6
Sherry Bitler, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give peace to those who hear it.
Ephesians 4:29
“If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.” How many of us heard this admonishment from our mothers? It was a common saying for many parents. Once upon a time, raising children on biblical values was the norm. The Bible was considered a foundational resource for the common man. It was respected, even if not followed. In our society that feels foreign right now.
I wish I could say that everything that comes out of my mouth is good for building others up. I fail often. When I do, I can muster up an excuse or justification, but the truth is, I am sinning, plain and simple. I am tearing someone down emotionally rather than sharing life-giving encouragement.
Realizing it is a heart issue, I ask the Lord for forgiveness. I am sad. Do my words sound like I am striking back? Do they sound critical, or encouraging? Do they give life, or take life out of the heart of the receiver?
Two people in my family have made life-altering sin choices that have cut deeply into my heart. These are not one-time painful issues. The ramifications continue to impact circumstances in my life. I would tell you that I have forgiven them, but I sometimes doubt it when the pain resurfaces. My unkind words or thoughts alert me that I still have work to do in the process of true forgiveness. Somewhere in the cracks, I continue to justify my pain, rather than surrendering it. I know that can breed self-righteousness.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
The computer types out the Today’s Treasure. The printer spits out the words. The scotch tape secures the paper to the mirror over my dresser. This constant visual reminder fills a need in my heart.
I want to always be ‘building up’ those I love, those in my circle of influence. I want to walk humbly and kind before the Lord.
It takes His strength, His grip, His love for me to pursue this daily.
PRAYER
Lord, please help me to feel the weight of Your strength in my life today. Please help me understand Your grace with enough depth to extend total forgiveness.
Are there other women in your life who could benefit from a daily dose of encouragement? Forward this email so they can click on this link to Subscribe to Daily Treasure to be better equipped to walk by faith on the pathway God has marked out for them.
Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, co-author of Treasures of Faith. and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace, Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.